Kolkata, February 28 (KMS): The widow of an Indian paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force trooper, Bablu Santra, killed in Pulwama incident, has urged both India and Pakistan to hold talks instead of escalating tensions.

Mita Santra, in a media interview in Kolktata said she was not worried about criticism on social media over her anti-war stand. “We should give dialogue a chance instead of war that will lead to loss of so many more lives,” Santra said while urging the Indian government to make all efforts to ensure Varthaman’s return.

“I urge our government to engage with Pakistan to get back Wing Commander of Indian Air Force (IAF), Abhinandan Varthaman, safely,” she added. Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was captured after his fighter jet was shot down by Pakistan Air Force in Azad Kashmir on Wednesday.

Apart from the loss of human lives, war leaves an indelible mark on economic and social front affecting the people of countries involved, Santra said.

Santra said she was not bothered about social media trolls criticising her stand on war, adding that if one person has criticised her, ten others appreciated her approach.

Meanwhile, former Minister of IoK Babu Singh has thanked Pakistan Army for its humanitarian behavior with the arrested Wing Commander of Indian Air Force, Abhinandan. He has also appealed to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, to return the Wing Commander to India.